Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
